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11/03/2005
UK urges more aid for Africa
A Government report has called on for a dramatic increase in aid for Africa.
The Commission for Africa report has called for an increase in aid of £50 billion per year over the next ten years, with most of the money to be aimed at helping the services and people with HIV and AIDS, as well as education, colleges and universities and infrastructure.
The report also includes plans to tackle corruption, by repatriating illicitly acquired state funds and assets and also to open negotiations on an international arms trade treaty by next year.
Speaking at the launch of the report at the British Museum in London, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "There can be no excuse, no defence, no justification for the plight of millions of our fellow beings in Africa today. That is the simple message from the report published today.
"We cannot allow this to continue. It is, I believe, the biggest moral challenge of our generation. A challenge for all of us - for the governments of Africa and the countries of the developed world."
Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary Tom Brake said: “The last thing Africa needs is another worthy report without action. We already know what’s keeping Africa poor and preventing the continent from realising its potential.
"The biggest problems include unfair trade rules, armed conflict, corruption and infectious disease. The real test of the Government’s commitment to Africa and to eradicating poverty will be what it does about these issues. This is an opportunity for the Government to commit to real reform."
Announced today were plans to invest in Africa's capacity to trade and to help reduce internal trade barriers, reforming customs, as well as eliminate all cotton and sugar subsidies immediately and end all export subsidies to agriculture by 2010.
The Commission said that the new reforms would help make Africa a more equal partner in the global community.
However, Africa is expected to generate a further £25 billion internally within the next ten years and contribute to the plans by encouraging progress on governance, democracy, tackling corruption and creating the right conditions for investment.
(KMcA/SP)
The Commission for Africa report has called for an increase in aid of £50 billion per year over the next ten years, with most of the money to be aimed at helping the services and people with HIV and AIDS, as well as education, colleges and universities and infrastructure.
The report also includes plans to tackle corruption, by repatriating illicitly acquired state funds and assets and also to open negotiations on an international arms trade treaty by next year.
Speaking at the launch of the report at the British Museum in London, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "There can be no excuse, no defence, no justification for the plight of millions of our fellow beings in Africa today. That is the simple message from the report published today.
"We cannot allow this to continue. It is, I believe, the biggest moral challenge of our generation. A challenge for all of us - for the governments of Africa and the countries of the developed world."
Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary Tom Brake said: “The last thing Africa needs is another worthy report without action. We already know what’s keeping Africa poor and preventing the continent from realising its potential.
"The biggest problems include unfair trade rules, armed conflict, corruption and infectious disease. The real test of the Government’s commitment to Africa and to eradicating poverty will be what it does about these issues. This is an opportunity for the Government to commit to real reform."
Announced today were plans to invest in Africa's capacity to trade and to help reduce internal trade barriers, reforming customs, as well as eliminate all cotton and sugar subsidies immediately and end all export subsidies to agriculture by 2010.
The Commission said that the new reforms would help make Africa a more equal partner in the global community.
However, Africa is expected to generate a further £25 billion internally within the next ten years and contribute to the plans by encouraging progress on governance, democracy, tackling corruption and creating the right conditions for investment.
(KMcA/SP)
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08 October 2004
World's focus must be to support Africa, says Blair
During his visit to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the international community it must turn its attention towards Africa as the time for excuses is over. Mr Blair was speaking ahead of chairing the second session of his Commission for Africa.
World's focus must be to support Africa, says Blair
During his visit to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the international community it must turn its attention towards Africa as the time for excuses is over. Mr Blair was speaking ahead of chairing the second session of his Commission for Africa.
30 May 2003
Report claims rich countries are 'failing' Africa
Africa continues to be let down by the world's richest countries, according to a report by development charity ActionAid, which has been released ahead of today's summit of G8 nations in France.
Report claims rich countries are 'failing' Africa
Africa continues to be let down by the world's richest countries, according to a report by development charity ActionAid, which has been released ahead of today's summit of G8 nations in France.
30 April 2013
UK To End South Africa Financial Aid
Britain is to end its direct financial support to South Africa by 2015. The UK bilateral development programme has been in operation for over twenty years since the end of apartheid, but will now be stopped, according to International Development Secretary Justine Greening.
UK To End South Africa Financial Aid
Britain is to end its direct financial support to South Africa by 2015. The UK bilateral development programme has been in operation for over twenty years since the end of apartheid, but will now be stopped, according to International Development Secretary Justine Greening.
12 March 2010
BBC's Christine Skis Channel
Northern Ireland-born television presenter Christine Bleakley has successfully water-skied across in the English Channel in aid of BBC Sports Relief. The One Show star completed the arduous challenge in just over an hour. Before setting out on the 21-mile ski Christine, 31, admitted she was "petrified".
BBC's Christine Skis Channel
Northern Ireland-born television presenter Christine Bleakley has successfully water-skied across in the English Channel in aid of BBC Sports Relief. The One Show star completed the arduous challenge in just over an hour. Before setting out on the 21-mile ski Christine, 31, admitted she was "petrified".
27 October 2005
Britain basks in record temperatures
The UK is basking in sunshine as the country enjoys the warmest October 27 on record. Temperatures have risen as high as 21c in some parts of the country, beating the previous record of 20.3c, which was recorded in London in 1888. However, temperatures are expected to rise as high as 23c in some parts of the country.
Britain basks in record temperatures
The UK is basking in sunshine as the country enjoys the warmest October 27 on record. Temperatures have risen as high as 21c in some parts of the country, beating the previous record of 20.3c, which was recorded in London in 1888. However, temperatures are expected to rise as high as 23c in some parts of the country.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
